2004 FORD SUPER DUTY snow chains

Avoid sudden braking as well. Although a 4WD vehicle may accelerate
better than a two-wheel drive vehicle in snow and ice, it won’t stop any
faster, because as in other vehicles, braking occurs at all four wheels. Do
not become overconfident as to road conditions.
Make sure you allow sufficient distance between you and other vehicles
for stopping. Drive slower than usual and consider using one of the lower
gears. In emergency stopping situations, avoid locking of the wheels. Use
a“squeeze”technique, push on the brake pedal with a steadily increasing
force which allows the wheels to brake yet continue to roll so that you
may steer in the direction you want to travel. If you lock the wheels,
release the brake pedal and repeat the squeeze technique. If your vehicle
is equipped with a Four Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), apply the
brake steadily. Do not“pump”the brakes. Refer to theBrakessection of
this chapter for additional information on the operation of the anti-lock
brake system.
Never drive with chains on the front tires of 4WD vehicles without also
putting them on the rear tires. This could cause the rear to slide and
swing around during braking.
Tires, Replacement Requirements
Do not use a size and type of tire and wheel other than that
originally provided by Ford Motor Company because it can affect
the safety and performance of your vehicle, which could result in an
increased risk of loss of vehicle control, vehicle rollover, and/or serious
personal injury or death.
Make sure all tires and wheels on the vehicle are of the same size, type,
tread design, brand and load-carrying capacity. If you have questions
regarding tire replacement, see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury
dealer.
If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD for off-road use with tires
larger than what Ford Motor Company recommends, you should not use
these tires for highway driving.
If you use any tire/wheel combination not recommended by Ford Motor
Company, it may adversely affect vehicle handling and could cause
steering, suspension, axle or transfer case failure as well as the increased
risk of loss of vehicle control.
Do not use“aftermarket lift kits”or other suspension modifications,
whether or not they are used with larger tires and wheels.
These“aftermarket lift kits”could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling
characteristics, which could lead to loss of vehicle control or rollover and
serious injury.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Driving
156

Safety practices
Driving habits have a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety.
•Observe posted speed limits
•Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
•Avoid potholes and objects on the road
•Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against a curb when parking
If you vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,do notrapidly spin the
tires; spinning the tires can tear the tire and cause an explosion. A tire
can explode in as little as three to five seconds.
Tire explosions can cause death, personal injury or property
damage. Do not allow anyone to stand near, or directly ahead or
behind the spinning tire.
Never spin the tires in excess of the 55 km/h (35 mph) point
indicated on the speedometer.
Highway hazards
No matter how carefully you drive there’s always the possibility that you
may eventually have a flat tire on the highway. Drive slowly to the
closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but
your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you
suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your
speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and
inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-inflated or damaged,
deflate it, remove wheel and replace it with your spare tire and wheel. If
you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest repair
facility or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS
Snow tires must be the same size and grade as the tires you
currently have on your vehicle.
Note:Do not use snow chains on front tires of Harley-Davidson vehicles.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
276

The tires on your vehicle have all weather treads to provide traction in
rain and snow. However, in some climates, you may need to use snow
tires and chains. If you need to use chains, it is recommended that steel
wheels (of the same size and specifications) be used, as chains may chip
aluminum wheels.
Follow these guidelines when using snow tires and chains:
•Use only SAE Class S chains.
•Install chains securely, verifying that the chains do not touch any
wiring, brake lines or fuel lines.
•Drive cautiously. If you hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, stop and re-tighten the chains. If this does not work, remove
the chains to prevent damage to your vehicle.
•If possible, avoid fully loading your vehicle.
•Remove the tire chains when they are no longer needed. Do not use
tire chains on dry roads.
•The suspension insulation and bumpers will help prevent vehicle
damage. Do not remove these components from your vehicle when
using snow tires and chains.
MOTORCRAFT PART NUMBERS
Component* 5.4L V8 engine 6.8L V10 engine
Air filter element FA-1634 FA-1634
Fuel filter FG-986B FG-986B
Oil filter FL-820-S FL-820-S
PCV valve EV-233 EV-233
Battery (Standard) BXT-65-650 BXT-65-650
Battery (Optional) BXT-65-750 BXT-65-750
Spark plugs-platinum** AGSF-22W AGSF-22W
Automatic Transmission
Filter ***——
*Refer to the6.0 Liter Power Stroke Direct Injection Turbo Diesel
Owner’s Guide Supplementfor Motorcraft diesel engine service part
numbers.
**Refer to Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) decal for spark
plug gap information.
***Only available with 6.0L Diesel engine/TorqShift transmission. Part
number is FT-145.
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
277

Power door locks ..................73, 79
Power point .................................55
Power steering ..........................130
fluid, checking and adding ....256
fluid, refill capacity ................278
fluid, specifications .........281, 284
Power Windows ...........................55
Preparing to drive your
vehicle ........................................131
R
Radio ....................19, 21, 23, 26, 30
Relays ........................................193
Remote entry system .................75
illuminated entry ......................78
locking/unlocking doors ...........73
Reverse sensing system ...........141
Roadside assistance ..................191
S
Safety Belt Maintenance ..........103
Safety belts
(see Safety restraints) ...91–95, 97
Safety defects, reporting ..........224
Safety restraints ....................91–97
belt minder ...............................99
extension assembly ................103
for adults .............................92–95
for children .............................113
lap belt ......................................98
safety belt maintenance .........103
warning light and chime ..........99
Safety seats for children ..........116
Seat belts
(see Safety restraints) ...............91
Seats ............................................84child safety seats ....................116
cleaning ...................................229
Servicing your vehicle ..............232
Setting the clock
AM/FM stereo ...........................21
AM/FM/CD .................................26
AM/FM/Tape/CD .......................30
Premium In-dash Six CD .........33
Snowplowing .................8, 187–190
Spare tire
(see Changing the Tire) ...........199
Spark plugs,
specifications .....................277, 284
Special notice ................................9
ambulance conversions ..............8
diesel-powered vehicles .............7
four-wheel drive vehicles .......189
utility-type vehicles ....................7
Specification chart,
lubricants ...........................281, 284
Speed control ..............................59
Starting your
vehicle ........................124–125, 127
jump starting ..........................209
Steering wheel
tilting .........................................51
T
Tailgate ........................................72
Tilt steering wheel ......................51
Tires ...........................................264
changing ..................199, 201, 208
snow tires and chains ............276
tire grades ...............................265
treadwear ................................264
Towing .......................................162
trailer towing ..........................162
wrecker ....................................214
2004 F250/350/450/550(f23)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA English(fus)
Index
303